The title of this post
is a result of a baby crawling across my computer...
I decided to leave it as is,
in efforts of maintaining this post's theme.
* * *
Regardless of how easy Instagram and blogging
may make it look
to travel, work and be a mom...
it's not always picture perfect.
It wouldn't even be possible
if Tyler wasn't working on a start-up
that gave him the flexibility to move his hours around
and work from home when needed.
In fact, can I pause for a moment to applaud the dad he is?
He takes care of Viola nearly every day before lunch
and is, 99%, the wind beneath my proverbial wings
when I have to scoot out to a museum tour or day trip
by hanging back with Viola when I need to be "on."
So, no, it's not easy.
It's take endless chatter trying to align our days
and figure out who needs to be where at what time...
and, at times, it results in one (or both) of us
jockeying for who's "turn" it is to do something...
and, at other time, it makes us want to chunk our day planners
at the other's head in frustration....
... and while we gain a lot from this life,
we also give up a lot to have it.
We don't have a lot of free time
to stay in touch with our friends & family
like we might wish.
We don't have a lot of disposable income.
We have a hard time thinking further out
than about 5 or 6 months ahead.
but do I feel lucky to get to spend my days
with the two people I love most
doing jobs that we love
and working with people we respect?
and working with people we respect?
Oh, heck yeah.
It's not perfect, by any stretch of the imagination,
but I'm so thankful for this time that we have.
*photography by Noah Darnell for Aspiring Kennedy
Well, I think you're doing a great job with your lives...you're giving to Viola a lot of love, you give her your time, you take her with you in your travels...what does a little toddler could ask more?
ReplyDelete:)
Buona giornata, Lauren!
It's never easy when you have kids, I know, but life is so much more rewarding after you have them. I wish you the best of luck to succeed in your individual projects so you can keep the time you have together and the "luxury" that Viola has to be with one of you at any time.
ReplyDeletehttp://joyacoustics.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Kids
Thanks for being so honest, Lauren! It does sometimes look like you're living a picture-perfect life, but when we step back, we all know that reality is different (even if lovely, but definitely a lot harder and not so glamorous most of the time!). Love the photography, too! What a great reminder to have of your special time in France! x
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness that last post brought tears to my eyes. Viola is so beautiful! You guys are living an amazing life right now. Do it while you can and while you're young. I envy you for this experience!
ReplyDelete"Jockeying"... Yep. Totally understand that concept.
ReplyDeleteaww love this! you guys are sooo cute and i dont care what you say -- that last photo IS perfect! way to make it work! xo jillian - cornflake dreams
ReplyDeleteLauren, Not sure if I've ever commented before, but I just wanted to say thank you for sharing your unique and beautiful life with all of us "strangers." You may be closer to my daughter's age than my own (yikes), but I so enjoy the peaks into your life which couldn't be more different than mine. I'm always amazed at how well you manage motherhood, marriage and a VERY cool job. Parenting is SO difficult at times, and I don't think I could have done what you do at the same time and make it appear so effortless.
ReplyDeleteNevermind. Disregard last post's comment. You and Tyler are a perfect fit for each other and Viola is extraordinarily lucky to have you. I won't ask him to trade places with me :)
ReplyDeleteI love your little family and love the outlook you have on your life! It's commendable that you make it all happen!
ReplyDeleteYou have an amazing life and you do make it look easy (isn't that the sign of a professional - they make hard things look simple). You are just a pro at it all ;)
ReplyDeleteGah, you guys are good together! Love that last picture!
ReplyDeleteThat picture of you walking next to Tyler and Viola is on his shoulders is my most favorite picture of you all ever!!! What a nice tribute to your love and the teamwork it takes!
ReplyDeleteWhat a full life! And despite the balancing act for you both, how cool is it that Viola gets to experience all of this fun and culture at her age! You are amazing to give her that gift and have such a great attitude about it! And props to Tyler for being such a great husband/dad to help make it happen!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, that last picture of you guys is too perfect! I know that things can't be easy doing what you do with your crazy schedules, but you make it seem like you're having a lot of fun :)
ReplyDeleteAw, I just love this. It's never perfect for anyone, but it's all about "making it work," which it sounds like you guys do (despite frustrations that come with it).
ReplyDelete- Rachel @ With Love, Rachel
You guys are the sweetest! Here's to living a hard yet fulfilling life that isn't picture perfect as Instagram makes it out to be.
ReplyDeleteYou two are the absolute cutest...or you three, I should say!!
ReplyDeleteIt may not be perfect but can I just say you guys look dang good doing it!
ReplyDeleteGreat post….love that last photo!!
ReplyDeletei'm sort of in awe of you three and your jet setting. but i'm sure there's a LOT of planning that goes into it all.
ReplyDeletethose pictures are awesome.
This just made me very happy! I enjoy reading about the struggles that parenthood brings about but also the emended joy it brings! Thanks for always being real :)
ReplyDeleteI don't know how you do it (said from the mum of a 7 month year old!) but not only do you do it you also do it with style! Love your posts Lauren! X
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteYou make it look effortless if it's any consolation! And the internets are glad you take time out of your busy life to share the magic with us!
ReplyDeletey'all are awesome and these photos are just absolutely precious!! it is work, figuring it all out. baby stuff, parent stuff! y'all seem like such a great team :)
ReplyDeleteI can't even imagine how the two of you are able to manage it all! So many snaps for y'all :) And Viola has gotten so, so big - she needs to stop growing asap!
ReplyDeleteyou should know: one of my main reasons for keeping up with your blog is to gain inspiration/guidance toward that elusive work-life balance. you guys are doing a really great job.
ReplyDelete